KENYA TRAVEL GUIDE

If you’re traveling to Kenya for the first time, let me prepare you gently and with love.  Your journey may begin at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi where the warm air hits your face and you instantly know you’ve arrived somewhere lively.

Nairobi is a city that never sits still. Cars everywhere, people everywhere and somehow everyone looks like they know exactly where they’re going. Don’t worry, you’ll blend in quickly. Nairobi gives you a little bit of everything ; wildlife, busy markets, modern malls, restaurants, nightlife and that chaotic charm that somehow starts feeling comforting once you settle in. 

Getting Around Kenya

Moving around Kenya is surprisingly easy. If you want to be fancy, you can fly to places like Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, or Malindi etc.

If you want a scenic adventure, take the SGR train from Nairobi to Mombasa and enjoy the views like you’re starring in your own travel movie. 

Buses and shuttles connect Nairobi to towns and cities such as Nakuru and Eldoret, while taxis such as Uber and Bolt are useful for getting around the cities. And if you’re feeling brave and want the real Kenyan experience, hop into a matatu. They are colorful, loud, dramatic and somehow always full. You will not be bored. Just hold onto something. 

Cities and Places to Explore

Kenya has many cities and towns worth exploring, each with its own personality.

Nairobi is the energetic one — always awake, always moving and always busy. It is also one of the few cities where you can be surrounded by skyscrapers in the morning and see wildlife in a national park later in the day.

Mombasa is the relaxed coastal sibling — warm, sunny and full of Swahili culture, beautiful beaches, seafood and history. If you need a break from the fast pace of the city, Mombasa will happily slow you down.

Nakuru is a great choice for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. You can enjoy game drives, beautiful viewpoints and the scenery around Lake Nakuru. You may even spot flamingos, although their numbers can vary depending on the season and water conditions.

Eldoret, the town where I grew up is a cool highland city known for its athletes, peaceful mornings, fresh air and beautiful countryside. It is also close to the breathtaking Rift Valley. If you want to experience Kenya beyond the usual tourist spots, Eldoret gives you a more local and grounded experience.

Then there is Naivasha, the calm one. It is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy lakes, quiet moments, boat rides and getting close to wildlife. You can even find places where you can walk among giraffes — yes, actually walk among them. Just try not to act too surprised when one decides to mind its business and completely ignores you hahahah

Where to Stay

Where you stay depends on the kind of experience you want.Nairobi has everything from modern hotels and luxury apartments to cozy guesthouses.

Mombasa has beach resorts that can make you forget your problems — at least until you check your bank account. 

Nakuru has hotels and safari lodges surrounded by nature.

Eldoret has comfortable hotels, apartments and guesthouses that give you more of a homely feel.

Naivasha has beautiful lakeside cottages and lodges where you may find yourself saying, “Maybe I should just stay here forever.”

Kenya gives you plenty of options whether you want city comfort, beach relaxation, wildlife adventures or a more local experience.

Things to Do in Kenya

There is plenty to keep you busy in Kenya.

In Nairobi, you can visit Nairobi National Park, see giraffes up close, explore museums, visit local markets, shop at malls, enjoy restaurants or experience the nightlife.

Mombasa is perfect for beach lovers. You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, boat trips, historical sites and exploring the Old Town while taking in the Swahili culture.

Nakuru is ideal for game drives, nature walks, scenic viewpoints and exploring the surrounding areas.

Eldoret offers beautiful viewpoints, forest walks, local food experiences and a chance to see a different side of Kenya away from the major tourist routes.

Naivasha is great for boat rides, wildlife experiences, nature walks and peaceful escapes. It is one of those places where you suddenly realize you have been looking at your phone for five minutes and then think, “Wait, why am I even on my phone?” 

Tips for Traveling in Kenya

Traveling around Kenya is fairly simple but there are a few things worth knowing. Use reliable taxis such as Uber or Bolt especially when traveling around cities at night.

Carry some small cash because smaller shops, markets and local businesses may not always accept cards. Kenya also widely uses mobile money especially M-Pesa, so you’ll notice that digital payments are a big part of everyday life.

And please try the food!

You cannot come to Kenya and leave without trying things like chapati, pilau, nyama choma, ugali, samosas and other local dishes. Your diet can take a short holiday. 

Also remember that Kenya’s weather can change depending on where you are. Nairobi and the highlands are generally cooler, while Mombasa and the coast are much hotter and more humid.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Kenyans are generally friendly and helpful. Asking a local for recommendations can sometimes lead you to places you would never find in a typical travel guide.

Explore Beyond Nairobi

If you really want to understand Kenya, don’t spend your entire trip in Nairobi. Visit Mombasa and experience the coast. Go to Naivasha for nature and relaxation. Explore Nakuru for wildlife and scenery. And if you have the time, come to Eldoret and experience the side of Kenya that tourists don’t always get to see. There are other cities as well worth visiting.

Every region has its own personality, food, culture, scenery and rhythm.

That is what makes Kenya special.

Kenya is not just about safaris and beaches. It is the busy streets, the matatus playing loud music, the smell of chapati, the beautiful landscapes, the unexpected conversations, the laughter, the chaos and the little moments that somehow become your favorite memories.

And maybe that is why Kenya stays with you long after you leave.

Whether you find yourself in a busy city, a quiet village, a beautiful coastal town or the cool highlands where I grew up, there is always something new to see, learn, taste and experience.

Welcome to Kenya. And if you ever need help planning your trip, understanding how things work or simply want a friendly guide who knows the country from lived experience, don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can contact me at cathychemexplorer90@gmail.com.

I’m happy to help you experience Kenya the way it deserves to be experienced.